NHL Buzz: Monday, August 16th

Now that Tomas Kaberle is off the market, Kevin Bieksa is now the best defenseman available. Rumor has it the Sharks, Ducks, Lightning, Capitals and Kings are among the teams expected to show interest in Bieksa.

As you all know Kaberle wasn't traded last night which means the Maple Leafs have 8 NHL defenseman and a few prospects NHL ready (or close to it).

I fully expect Brian Burke to move one (or maybe two) of those defenseman for a forward as he knows that this group up front is not good enough. Believe it or not Francois Beauchemin and Luke Schenn are most likely the odd man out. We will have to wait and see what Burke has up his sleeves.

Like Kevin Bieksa, the Sharks, Ducks, Lightning, Capitals and Kings (among others) are all showing interest in Willie Mitchell. My best bet would go towards Mitchell signing with the Kings.

Eric Belanger is still awaiting the Capitals roster move. Speculation is that it will be Tomas Fleischmann being moved but I wouldn't be shocked to see Alex Semin moved if the return is right.

The Capitals, Sharks, Islanders and Panthers remain the leaders in the Antti Niemi sweepstakes.

This concludes today's edition of NHL Buzz, enjoy.

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